Validity comparison of behavior counts and ratings by knowledgeable informants.

Argues that the reliability and validity of behavioral ratings as an assessment technique can be demonstrated when assessments are based on multiple raters and are validated against frequency counts based on adequate samples of behavior. This argument is illustrated by the observations of dependency and dominance in 56 preschoolers by 9 trained undergraduate observers. Besides supporting the reliability and validity of scores based on multiple ratings, the analyses also indicated that small samples of behavioral observations did not capture the stability of personality characteristics. Methodological implications for the use of ratings and behavior counts and conceptual implications for the consistency of personality are discussed. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A "common-language" version of the California Child Q-Set for personality assessment.

The California Q-Set (CCQ), a unique instrument used by professional observers to assess children's personalities, has contributed important information about the nature of personality development. Language-simplifying modifications are introduced to the items in the original CCQ for this assessment procedure to be used with a wide range of nonprofessional observers (e.g., parents with little formal education). Reliability and validity assessments show that the "common-language" version of the CCQ can be used with laypersons to yield reliable, valid, and valuable information about the links between personality functioning and problems in adaptive functioning in diverse populations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A lens-mapping framework for understanding the encoding and decoding of interpersonal dispositions in nonverbal behavior.

Recent reviewers have concluded that dispositions are not very reliably encoded in nonverbal behavior, although observers seem eager to use nonverbal information to decode the dispositions of others. A modified Brunswik lens model (E. Brunswik, 1956) and behavior mapping were used to examine the encoding and decoding of 8 interpersonal dispositions from nonverbal cues. First, 20 triads completed self-assessments and were videotaped during conversation. Next, 38 of their nonverbal behaviors were independently scored. Finally, 21 unacquainted peers rated all 60 conversers on the same dispositions. Across the 8 dispositions, encoding multiple correlations ranged from 0 to .62 and decoding ranged from .74 to .82. Achievement (self-other correlations) ranged from .18 to .45. Some implications of the results for interpersonal conflict and personality assessment are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Correlational structure of the MCMI-III personality disorder scales and comparisons with other data sets

We examine the correlational structure of the personality disorder (PD) scales from the MCMI-III (Millon, 1994) among 614 college students. The correlation matrix from our nonclinical sample was highly similar to the clinical sample matrices reported by Millon (1994). Further analyses revealed that the correlation matrices from a variety of MCMI data sets are generally similar to one another, but are only moderately similar to PD correlation matrices based on other assessment techniques. PD correlation matrices based on different assessment techniques are generally not very similar to one another. Two-, 3-, and 4-factor solutions for the MCMI-III PD scales are reported and provide a framework for integrating apparently conflicting findings from previous work. The 4-factor solution was most meaningful and was consistent with the 5-factor model of PD.     

Proposed changes in personality and personality disorder assessment and diagnosis for DSM-5 Part I: Description and rationale.

A major reconceptualization of personality psychopathology has been proposed for DSM-5 that identifies core impairments in personality functioning, pathological personality traits, and prominent pathological personality types. A comprehensive personality assessment consists of four components: levels of personality functioning, personality disorder types, pathological personality trait domains and facets, and general criteria for personality disorder. This four-part assessment focuses attention on identifying personality psychopathology with increasing degrees of specificity, based on a clinician's available time, information, and expertise. In Part I of this two-part article, we describe the components of the new model and present brief theoretical and empirical rationales for each. In Part II, we will illustrate the clinical application of the model with vignettes of patients with varying degrees of personality psychopathology, to show how assessments might be conducted and diagnoses reached. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Introduction to the special issue on developments in psychological measurement and assessment.

This introduction to the special issue on developments in psychological measurement and assessment sets the special issue within a larger scientific and professional context and provides summaries of the 8 articles that make up the issue. The articles address (a) self-report personality and psychopathology assessment; (b) intensive, repeated, self-report measures used in naturalistic settings; (c) implicit measures of personality; (d) personality assessment and faking in personnel selection; (e) performance appraisals; (f) risk assessments; (g) intelligence and the assessment of intelligence; and (h) neuropsychological assessment. Together, these articles demonstrate the substantial progress being made in the research on psychological measurement and assessment and the solid foundation that this work provides for both psychological science and practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Using Trained Inmate Observers for Suicide Watch in a Federal Correctional Setting: A Win-Win Solution.

This study examined the impact of using inmate observers for suicide watch within a federal correctional-mental health setting. Results indicate a significant decrease in the mean number of hours inmates remained on suicide watch ( p = .036) following the implementation of the Inmate Observer Program (IOP). Overall, suicidal inmates with a diagnosis of psychotic disorder remained on suicide watch significantly longer ( p = .004) than did inmates in other diagnostic groups. The psychotic group, however, had a significant decrease in mean hours on suicide watch ( p = .001) following the implementation of the IOP. Also, individuals with personality disorders had significantly fewer watches ( p = .033) when inmate observers were used. Initial findings suggest that the use of inmate observers reduces the length of time that suicidal peers remain on watch without compromising standard of care. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)